Portavoz

Portavoz formed in Chile in the late 1990s as a hip-hop group. Their early albums like 'La Verdadera Historia' and 'Sin Condicione$' established them with lyrics that addressed social issues directly, avoiding the usual hip-hop posturing. The group included members El Peregrino, El Tiburón, and DJ Humo, with La Salvia as a former member.

Their song 'El Otro Chile' became particularly well-known for its clear-eyed look at economic inequality in the country. They kept releasing albums through the 2000s and 2010s, including 'Hambre de Justicia' and 'Voces', maintaining a focus on political and social commentary. Their straightforward approach to songwriting meant their work was often discussed in activist circles as much as music ones.

Because their lyrics criticized government policies, Portavoz faced some censorship and surveillance from authorities. This wasn't presented as dramatic persecution in their music, but more as a factual part of making the kind of art they did. They worked with other artists in their scene, like on the track 'Donde Empieza' with Subverso.